34th International Geological Congress (IGC): AUSTRALIA 2012

NZ-1 North Island: Active Volcanism, Neotectonics, Geothermal
Activity (continued)
124 34 th IGC AUSTRALIA 2012 | Fourth Circular
Day 3 - Monday 13th August 2012 - Wairakei to Whakatane
Depart after breakfast for the three and a half hour drive from Wairakei to
Whakatane.
See the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station; visit the geothermal hot-springs at
Wai-o-tapu and Waimaungu; observe Mount Tarawera and Lake Rotomahana;
traverse the central North Island rift (Taupo Volcanic Zone) from west to east;
reconnect with basement greywacke rocks (Torlesse Terrane) at Whakatane. On
arrival at your hotel there’s free time to settle in before dinner.
Overnight: White Island Rendezvous Complex, Whakatane (or similar)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4 - Tuesday 14th August 2012 - Whakatane
After breakfast enjoy a visit to White Island (50 kilometres offshore) either by
commercial boat or helicopter, depending on sea and weather conditions. Please
be aware that if we need to resort to helicopter transport, extra cost will be
incurred. However, it is worth it! This will be a highlight of the excursion and will
be an opportunity to visit New Zealand’s most active subduction-related volcano.
Anticipate being on the island for 1.5 to 2 hours.
Overnight: White Island Rendezvous Complex, Whakatane (or similar)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5 - Wednesday 15th August 2012 - Whakatane to Auckland
Following breakfast depart and drive from Whakatane to Auckland (around 4.5
hours). En route, we shall traverse the Bay of Plenty (central North Island rift; Taupo
Volcanic Zone) from east to west; travel to the southern end of the Coromandel
Peninsula and the Hauraki Goldfields; visit the Newmont Waihi Martha Mine at
Waihi, Late Miocene epithermal gold mineralisation associated with subductionrelated
arc volcanism. Arrive in Auckland with time to settle into your hotel before
your farewell dinner.
Overnight: Ventura Inn, Auckland (or similar)
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6 - Thursday 16th August 2012 - Onward travel
After breakfast check out of your hotel and make your own way to the airport for
your onward travel.
Meals: B
Equipment Required: Participants should be prepared for cool weather and must be prepared for both
wet and dry conditions. It will be winter in New Zealand but in the North Island
temperatures are unlikely to be below zero. However, if the weather is cloud-free
and still, we may experience frost. Sun hat, rain coat and strong walking shoes
are essential, as is warm clothing (woolly hat, scarf, gloves). We will be visiting
active geothermal areas and an active volcano and we will be subject to corrosive
sulphurous fluids. The level of fitness required is minimal.